International students and others from the International Programs at MUSC joined the Redeemer family last week for our annual chili cook-off and social dance. The chili cook-off gives our Redeemer members a chance to welcome these sojourners from abroad while they’re studying and working in Charleston. Plus we get to show off our chili-making skills!

Our own Ben Lever shares about his experience:

The chili cook off was a great opportunity to meet international students. I hope this presented an opportunity for the students to have a second thought about what was being offered beyond the chili on a chilly night. One never knows how one may influence someone or what their opinion may be of whatever testimony someone offers through friendliness or kindness. We can only try, which our church did in this hospitable meeting. I hope these students get to experience our freedom of worship and may have a very positive takeaway from being in an American, Christian environment.

And, next year, we need to get our chili more competitive….

After chowing down on the 15-plus pots of chili–from vegetarian to meaty, spicy to mild, the tasters voted using the familiar Olympics hierarchy of gold, silver, and bronze. Serving spoons were awarded to the winners, and the dance instruction started. Our senior pastor led the instruction of an uniquely Southern dance, the shag.

UPDATE | We’ve rescheduled our Chili Cook-Off for Wednesday, March 5 at 6 pm in our Fellowship Hall. Due to the past few weeks of bad weather and canceled classes at MUSC, the International Student Program recommended that we give their students a few more weeks to sign up for this event. Rather than hosting a smaller number of students this year, we thought it would be best to give them some more time to get their tickets and encourage more internationals to come. And as a bonus, we get more time to polish our chili-cooking skills! We’re sorry for the last-minute change, and we appreciate your flexibility and continued love for these internationals! May the Lord bless our extra two weeks of preparation for this event!$5,300 That’s about the going rate for a short-term international mission trip to East Asia.

$15 That’s about the going rate for a trip downtown and a pot of chili in order to meet students from East Asia and the rest of the world.

Both trips are strategic in terms of helping reach the nations with the Gospel. But believe me, it’s a whole lot easier to pack up a pot of chili than international luggage. Rather than each of us going through the process of going to the world (not to mention trying to have a ministry once we’re there), why not reach the world in our own backyard?

When we build connections and friendships with international students living in our backyard, we obey God’s command in Leviticus 19:33-34. “When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the LORD your God.”

On Wednesday, February 19 at 6 pm Redeemer once again has the incredible opportunity to host international students from MUSC for our annual chili cook-off and social dance. This event is attended by dozens of international students and their families and is a key opportunity for us to make relational connections that could change the world.

The benefits of hosting international students at the chili cook-off goes well beyond the event itself. It’s actually one part of a whole ministry that is reaching out to and sharing the Gospel with internationals at MUSC. The chili cook-off is like the wide part of a funnel that leads to deeper friendships and spiritual conversations through our on-campus English conversation group and one-on-one meetings.

We don’t have to worry about how to share the gospel or even how to discuss spiritual matters. Not at this event. Eventually sharing Christ with international students requires a great deal of trust and friendship. This event will help us with both.

Perhaps the number one hesitation for us as we begin to think about reaching out to internationals is that it might be awkward. We might not understand their accent or might not know anything about their culture. We may struggle to relate to their world as students or wonder why they stand so close when talking with us.

So what do we do when faced with an awkward situation or someone we can’t very well understand? Quite simply, with love and compassion, we can learn to embrace the awkwardness. Not avoid it, not find someone easier to talk to. Embrace the awkwardness. Find some common ground—music, interests, food, sports, literature—and enjoy making a new friend.

Believe me, our love and intentionality doesn’t go unnoticed:

“I really want to say thank you for all the people involved in the international student ministry at Redeemer Presbyterian Church. Your love and caring for internationals students is so meaningful to all of us who came from other countries…Thank you so much for helping us to get used to American culture and be friends with us…I feel Redeemer Presbyterian Church is like a big family and no matter who you are you are fully accepted in this big family, which is truly amazing and only God can make this happen…I am so happy that I can be part of [Redeemer] right now, and I am looking forward to learning more of God’s love in this place for the coming years.” –Cynthia Li

Calendar of Events

December2017

Through the leadership of our community groups, we offer several women’s Bible studies in neighborhoods around the Charleston area. These Bible studies are open to all and an outreach effort to Redeemer women, friends, and neighbors. Here’s a list of our current studies.

Community Groups are the main ministry of Redeemer outside of Sunday morning worship. Connect with a community group during the week for great fellowship and Bible study. However, community groups at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC, are much more than just Bible studies. These groups are like “house churches” where we want to live in community with each other like Paul writes about in Acts 2:42-47 because we’re a family on mission together. Contact for Park Circle Community Group: Tiffany Koch, 843-607-4518
Visit our Community Groups page for more information.

Community Groups are the main ministry of Redeemer outside of Sunday morning worship. Connect with a community group during the week for great fellowship and Bible study. However, community groups at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC, are much more than just Bible studies. These groups are like “house churches” where we want to live in community with each other like Paul writes about in Acts 2:42-47 because we’re a family on mission together. Contact for Johns Island Community Group: Kara Wilson, 402-578-2744
Visit our Community Groups page for more information.

Through the leadership of our community groups, we offer several women’s Bible studies in neighborhoods around the Charleston area. These Bible studies are open to all and an outreach effort to Redeemer women, friends, and neighbors. Here’s a list of our current studies.

Community Groups are the main ministry of Redeemer outside of Sunday morning worship. Connect with a community group during the week for great fellowship and Bible study. However, community groups at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC, are much more than just Bible studies. These groups are like “house churches” where we want to live in community with each other like Paul writes about in Acts 2:42-47 because we’re a family on mission together. Contact for Park Circle Community Group: Gray Morgan, 843-478-7127
Visit our Community Groups page for more information.

Community Groups are the main ministry of Redeemer outside of Sunday morning worship. Connect with a community group during the week for great fellowship and Bible study. However, community groups at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC, are much more than just Bible studies. These groups are like “house churches” where we want to live in community with each other like Paul writes about in Acts 2:42-47 because we’re a family on mission together. Contact for Park Circle Community Group: Alanna Enniss, 803-627-3822
Visit our Community Groups page for more information.

Community Groups are the main ministry of Redeemer outside of Sunday morning worship. Connect with a community group during the week for great fellowship and Bible study. However, community groups at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC, are much more than just Bible studies. These groups are like “house churches” where we want to live in community with each other like Paul writes about in Acts 2:42-47 because we’re a family on mission together. Contact for Park Circle Community Group: Amanda Dolinski, 616-638-5389
Visit our Community Groups page for more information.

Community Groups are the main ministry of Redeemer outside of Sunday morning worship. Connect with a community group during the week for great fellowship and Bible study. However, community groups at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC, are much more than just Bible studies. These groups are like “house churches” where we want to live in community with each other like Paul writes about in Acts 2:42-47 because we’re a family on mission together. Contact for Park Circle Community Group: Ashley Bouchillon, 706-504-2103
Visit our Community Groups page for more information.

Join men from Redeemer and other downtown congregations at their monthly downtown luncheon (usually held on the first Wednesday) with guest speakers each month. Lunch is provided for $5.Visit our Blog for more information.

Community Groups are the main ministry of Redeemer outside of Sunday morning worship. Connect with a community group during the week for great fellowship and Bible study. However, community groups at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC, are much more than just Bible studies. These groups are like “house churches” where we want to live in community with each other like Paul writes about in Acts 2:42-47 because we’re a family on mission together. Contact for Park Circle Community Group: Lisa Christian, 843-224-6631
Visit our Community Groups page for more information.

Community Groups are the main ministry of Redeemer outside of Sunday morning worship. Connect with a community group during the week for great fellowship and Bible study. However, community groups at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC, are much more than just Bible studies. These groups are like “house churches” where we want to live in community with each other like Paul writes about in Acts 2:42-47 because we’re a family on mission together. Contact for Mt. Pleasant Community Group: Liz Jarvis, 703-999-9424
Visit our Community Groups page for more information.

Through the leadership of our community groups, we offer several women’s Bible studies in neighborhoods around the Charleston area. These Bible studies are open to all and an outreach effort to Redeemer women, friends, and neighbors. Here’s a list of our current studies.

Through the leadership of our community groups, we offer several women’s Bible studies in neighborhoods around the Charleston area. These Bible studies are open to all and an outreach effort to Redeemer women, friends, and neighbors. Here’s a list of our current studies.

Community Groups are the main ministry of Redeemer outside of Sunday morning worship. Connect with a community group during the week for great fellowship and Bible study. However, community groups at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC, are much more than just Bible studies. These groups are like “house churches” where we want to live in community with each other like Paul writes about in Acts 2:42-47 because we’re a family on mission together. Contact for West Ashley Thursday Community Group: Frankie Bennett, 717-224-0258
Visit our Community Groups page for more information.

Through the leadership of our community groups, we offer several women’s Bible studies in neighborhoods around the Charleston area. These Bible studies are open to all and an outreach effort to Redeemer women, friends, and neighbors. Here’s a list of our current studies.

The Lord has delivered us so that we may take an active role in seeing His Kingdom grow here in Charleston. If your heart desires to cry out to the Lord for Redeemer--its leaders, ministries, missionaries, marriages, young adults at school and home, our neighborhood, city, nation, and the church universal, come join us the second Saturday of every month. Contact Debbie McDowell at 609-217-3170 for details.

Community Groups are the main ministry of Redeemer outside of Sunday morning worship. Connect with a community group during the week for great fellowship and Bible study. However, community groups at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC, are much more than just Bible studies. These groups are like “house churches” where we want to live in community with each other like Paul writes about in Acts 2:42-47 because we’re a family on mission together. Contact for Park Circle Community Group: Tiffany Koch, 843-607-4518
Visit our Community Groups page for more information.

Community Groups are the main ministry of Redeemer outside of Sunday morning worship. Connect with a community group during the week for great fellowship and Bible study. However, community groups at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC, are much more than just Bible studies. These groups are like “house churches” where we want to live in community with each other like Paul writes about in Acts 2:42-47 because we’re a family on mission together. Contact for Johns Island Community Group: Kara Wilson, 402-578-2744
Visit our Community Groups page for more information.

Through the leadership of our community groups, we offer several women’s Bible studies in neighborhoods around the Charleston area. These Bible studies are open to all and an outreach effort to Redeemer women, friends, and neighbors. Here’s a list of our current studies.

Community Groups are the main ministry of Redeemer outside of Sunday morning worship. Connect with a community group during the week for great fellowship and Bible study. However, community groups at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC, are much more than just Bible studies. These groups are like “house churches” where we want to live in community with each other like Paul writes about in Acts 2:42-47 because we’re a family on mission together. Contact for Park Circle Community Group: Gray Morgan, 843-478-7127
Visit our Community Groups page for more information.

Community Groups are the main ministry of Redeemer outside of Sunday morning worship. Connect with a community group during the week for great fellowship and Bible study. However, community groups at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC, are much more than just Bible studies. These groups are like “house churches” where we want to live in community with each other like Paul writes about in Acts 2:42-47 because we’re a family on mission together. Contact for Park Circle Community Group: Alanna Enniss, 803-627-3822
Visit our Community Groups page for more information.

Community Groups are the main ministry of Redeemer outside of Sunday morning worship. Connect with a community group during the week for great fellowship and Bible study. However, community groups at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC, are much more than just Bible studies. These groups are like “house churches” where we want to live in community with each other like Paul writes about in Acts 2:42-47 because we’re a family on mission together. Contact for Park Circle Community Group: Amanda Dolinski, 616-638-5389
Visit our Community Groups page for more information.

Community Groups are the main ministry of Redeemer outside of Sunday morning worship. Connect with a community group during the week for great fellowship and Bible study. However, community groups at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC, are much more than just Bible studies. These groups are like “house churches” where we want to live in community with each other like Paul writes about in Acts 2:42-47 because we’re a family on mission together. Contact for Park Circle Community Group: Ashley Bouchillon, 706-504-2103
Visit our Community Groups page for more information.

Community Groups are the main ministry of Redeemer outside of Sunday morning worship. Connect with a community group during the week for great fellowship and Bible study. However, community groups at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC, are much more than just Bible studies. These groups are like “house churches” where we want to live in community with each other like Paul writes about in Acts 2:42-47 because we’re a family on mission together. Contact for Park Circle Community Group: Lisa Christian, 843-224-6631
Visit our Community Groups page for more information.

Community Groups are the main ministry of Redeemer outside of Sunday morning worship. Connect with a community group during the week for great fellowship and Bible study. However, community groups at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC, are much more than just Bible studies. These groups are like “house churches” where we want to live in community with each other like Paul writes about in Acts 2:42-47 because we’re a family on mission together. Contact for Mt. Pleasant Community Group: Liz Jarvis, 703-999-9424
Visit our Community Groups page for more information.

Through the leadership of our community groups, we offer several women’s Bible studies in neighborhoods around the Charleston area. These Bible studies are open to all and an outreach effort to Redeemer women, friends, and neighbors. Here’s a list of our current studies.

Through the leadership of our community groups, we offer several women’s Bible studies in neighborhoods around the Charleston area. These Bible studies are open to all and an outreach effort to Redeemer women, friends, and neighbors. Here’s a list of our current studies.

Community Groups are the main ministry of Redeemer outside of Sunday morning worship. Connect with a community group during the week for great fellowship and Bible study. However, community groups at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC, are much more than just Bible studies. These groups are like “house churches” where we want to live in community with each other like Paul writes about in Acts 2:42-47 because we’re a family on mission together. Contact for West Ashley Thursday Community Group: Frankie Bennett, 717-224-0258
Visit our Community Groups page for more information.

Through the leadership of our community groups, we offer several women’s Bible studies in neighborhoods around the Charleston area. These Bible studies are open to all and an outreach effort to Redeemer women, friends, and neighbors. Here’s a list of our current studies.

Community Groups are the main ministry of Redeemer outside of Sunday morning worship. Connect with a community group during the week for great fellowship and Bible study. However, community groups at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC, are much more than just Bible studies. These groups are like “house churches” where we want to live in community with each other like Paul writes about in Acts 2:42-47 because we’re a family on mission together. Contact for Park Circle Community Group: Tiffany Koch, 843-607-4518
Visit our Community Groups page for more information.

Community Groups are the main ministry of Redeemer outside of Sunday morning worship. Connect with a community group during the week for great fellowship and Bible study. However, community groups at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC, are much more than just Bible studies. These groups are like “house churches” where we want to live in community with each other like Paul writes about in Acts 2:42-47 because we’re a family on mission together. Contact for Johns Island Community Group: Kara Wilson, 402-578-2744
Visit our Community Groups page for more information.

We're heading back to the East Side! With ongoing construction in our Fellowship Hall, we're having our annual Christmas party and talent show in The Cedar Room at The Cigar Factory (701 East Bay St., 29403) on Sunday, December 17 at 6 pm. Of course we'll have the talent show: Both kids and adults are encouraged to perform!

Through the leadership of our community groups, we offer several women’s Bible studies in neighborhoods around the Charleston area. These Bible studies are open to all and an outreach effort to Redeemer women, friends, and neighbors. Here’s a list of our current studies.

Community Groups are the main ministry of Redeemer outside of Sunday morning worship. Connect with a community group during the week for great fellowship and Bible study. However, community groups at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC, are much more than just Bible studies. These groups are like “house churches” where we want to live in community with each other like Paul writes about in Acts 2:42-47 because we’re a family on mission together. Contact for Park Circle Community Group: Gray Morgan, 843-478-7127
Visit our Community Groups page for more information.

Community Groups are the main ministry of Redeemer outside of Sunday morning worship. Connect with a community group during the week for great fellowship and Bible study. However, community groups at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC, are much more than just Bible studies. These groups are like “house churches” where we want to live in community with each other like Paul writes about in Acts 2:42-47 because we’re a family on mission together. Contact for Park Circle Community Group: Alanna Enniss, 803-627-3822
Visit our Community Groups page for more information.

Community Groups are the main ministry of Redeemer outside of Sunday morning worship. Connect with a community group during the week for great fellowship and Bible study. However, community groups at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC, are much more than just Bible studies. These groups are like “house churches” where we want to live in community with each other like Paul writes about in Acts 2:42-47 because we’re a family on mission together. Contact for Park Circle Community Group: Amanda Dolinski, 616-638-5389
Visit our Community Groups page for more information.

Community Groups are the main ministry of Redeemer outside of Sunday morning worship. Connect with a community group during the week for great fellowship and Bible study. However, community groups at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC, are much more than just Bible studies. These groups are like “house churches” where we want to live in community with each other like Paul writes about in Acts 2:42-47 because we’re a family on mission together. Contact for Park Circle Community Group: Ashley Bouchillon, 706-504-2103
Visit our Community Groups page for more information.

Community Groups are the main ministry of Redeemer outside of Sunday morning worship. Connect with a community group during the week for great fellowship and Bible study. However, community groups at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC, are much more than just Bible studies. These groups are like “house churches” where we want to live in community with each other like Paul writes about in Acts 2:42-47 because we’re a family on mission together. Contact for Park Circle Community Group: Lisa Christian, 843-224-6631
Visit our Community Groups page for more information.

Community Groups are the main ministry of Redeemer outside of Sunday morning worship. Connect with a community group during the week for great fellowship and Bible study. However, community groups at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC, are much more than just Bible studies. These groups are like “house churches” where we want to live in community with each other like Paul writes about in Acts 2:42-47 because we’re a family on mission together. Contact for Mt. Pleasant Community Group: Liz Jarvis, 703-999-9424
Visit our Community Groups page for more information.

Through the leadership of our community groups, we offer several women’s Bible studies in neighborhoods around the Charleston area. These Bible studies are open to all and an outreach effort to Redeemer women, friends, and neighbors. Here’s a list of our current studies.

Through the leadership of our community groups, we offer several women’s Bible studies in neighborhoods around the Charleston area. These Bible studies are open to all and an outreach effort to Redeemer women, friends, and neighbors. Here’s a list of our current studies.

Community Groups are the main ministry of Redeemer outside of Sunday morning worship. Connect with a community group during the week for great fellowship and Bible study. However, community groups at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC, are much more than just Bible studies. These groups are like “house churches” where we want to live in community with each other like Paul writes about in Acts 2:42-47 because we’re a family on mission together. Contact for Park Circle Community Group: Tiffany Koch, 843-607-4518
Visit our Community Groups page for more information.

Community Groups are the main ministry of Redeemer outside of Sunday morning worship. Connect with a community group during the week for great fellowship and Bible study. However, community groups at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC, are much more than just Bible studies. These groups are like “house churches” where we want to live in community with each other like Paul writes about in Acts 2:42-47 because we’re a family on mission together. Contact for Johns Island Community Group: Kara Wilson, 402-578-2744
Visit our Community Groups page for more information.

Through the leadership of our community groups, we offer several women’s Bible studies in neighborhoods around the Charleston area. These Bible studies are open to all and an outreach effort to Redeemer women, friends, and neighbors. Here’s a list of our current studies.

Community Groups are the main ministry of Redeemer outside of Sunday morning worship. Connect with a community group during the week for great fellowship and Bible study. However, community groups at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC, are much more than just Bible studies. These groups are like “house churches” where we want to live in community with each other like Paul writes about in Acts 2:42-47 because we’re a family on mission together. Contact for Park Circle Community Group: Gray Morgan, 843-478-7127
Visit our Community Groups page for more information.

Community Groups are the main ministry of Redeemer outside of Sunday morning worship. Connect with a community group during the week for great fellowship and Bible study. However, community groups at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC, are much more than just Bible studies. These groups are like “house churches” where we want to live in community with each other like Paul writes about in Acts 2:42-47 because we’re a family on mission together. Contact for Park Circle Community Group: Alanna Enniss, 803-627-3822
Visit our Community Groups page for more information.

Community Groups are the main ministry of Redeemer outside of Sunday morning worship. Connect with a community group during the week for great fellowship and Bible study. However, community groups at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC, are much more than just Bible studies. These groups are like “house churches” where we want to live in community with each other like Paul writes about in Acts 2:42-47 because we’re a family on mission together. Contact for Park Circle Community Group: Amanda Dolinski, 616-638-5389
Visit our Community Groups page for more information.

Community Groups are the main ministry of Redeemer outside of Sunday morning worship. Connect with a community group during the week for great fellowship and Bible study. However, community groups at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC, are much more than just Bible studies. These groups are like “house churches” where we want to live in community with each other like Paul writes about in Acts 2:42-47 because we’re a family on mission together. Contact for Park Circle Community Group: Ashley Bouchillon, 706-504-2103
Visit our Community Groups page for more information.

Community Groups are the main ministry of Redeemer outside of Sunday morning worship. Connect with a community group during the week for great fellowship and Bible study. However, community groups at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC, are much more than just Bible studies. These groups are like “house churches” where we want to live in community with each other like Paul writes about in Acts 2:42-47 because we’re a family on mission together. Contact for Park Circle Community Group: Lisa Christian, 843-224-6631
Visit our Community Groups page for more information.

Community Groups are the main ministry of Redeemer outside of Sunday morning worship. Connect with a community group during the week for great fellowship and Bible study. However, community groups at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC, are much more than just Bible studies. These groups are like “house churches” where we want to live in community with each other like Paul writes about in Acts 2:42-47 because we’re a family on mission together. Contact for Mt. Pleasant Community Group: Liz Jarvis, 703-999-9424
Visit our Community Groups page for more information.

Through the leadership of our community groups, we offer several women’s Bible studies in neighborhoods around the Charleston area. These Bible studies are open to all and an outreach effort to Redeemer women, friends, and neighbors. Here’s a list of our current studies.

Through the leadership of our community groups, we offer several women’s Bible studies in neighborhoods around the Charleston area. These Bible studies are open to all and an outreach effort to Redeemer women, friends, and neighbors. Here’s a list of our current studies.

Community Groups are the main ministry of Redeemer outside of Sunday morning worship. Connect with a community group during the week for great fellowship and Bible study. However, community groups at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC, are much more than just Bible studies. These groups are like “house churches” where we want to live in community with each other like Paul writes about in Acts 2:42-47 because we’re a family on mission together. Contact for Park Circle Community Group: Tiffany Koch, 843-607-4518
Visit our Community Groups page for more information.

Community Groups are the main ministry of Redeemer outside of Sunday morning worship. Connect with a community group during the week for great fellowship and Bible study. However, community groups at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC, are much more than just Bible studies. These groups are like “house churches” where we want to live in community with each other like Paul writes about in Acts 2:42-47 because we’re a family on mission together. Contact for Johns Island Community Group: Kara Wilson, 402-578-2744
Visit our Community Groups page for more information.